Question:

Can I launch MicroStation and then load InRoads SS3/SS4 from the Applications Menu or mdl load InRoads from within MicroStation?

Answer:

Due to the enhanced integration with MicroStation, it is no longer possible to launch MicroStation and then launch InRoads from the Applications Menu.  It is also not possible to mdl load InRoads from within MicroStation.  An additional program switch is now required which must load a portion of the InRoads functionality on startup of MicroStation. This switch sets certain InRoads Tools and Tasks within the MicroStation platform on startup based upon the specified application (APP) in the switch to regulate what tools and commands are available for users.  Since this switch is required and set on startup, there is no way to initiate the MicroStation program without InRoads. This is a change from SS2 due to the addition of the OpenRoads tools that are integrated with MicroStation.

The follow two switches are now required on the InRoads target:

-wsLoad_InRoads_SS3=1 or -wsLoad_InRoads_SS4=1

-wsINROADS_APP=<Product Name>
(for example InRoads Suite would be "-wsINROADS_APP=Suite")

In the first release of SS3 (08.11.09.493), it was possible to open the product with InRoads and then immediately close the InRoads program. This is no longer the case in versions 08.11.09.674 and later.  In these later versions, InRoads can still be launched from the MicroStation icon if both switches above are added to the MicroStation target.  However, InRoads will already be activated and cannot be closed without also closing MicroStation.